Vatican News
Pope appeals for international aid for Ebola victims in DRC (Photo: Vatican News)During his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV called for international aid to combat the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where over 2,500 people have died from the Bundibugyo strain since the World Health Organization declared it an epidemic in May 2026. The Pope urged global support, emphasizing the need to involve local communities in prevention efforts, while noting the virus has no approved treatment or vaccine. He also prayed for victims of a deadly mining accident in the Central African Republic’s Zamboyé, where a landslide on August 18 killed over 100 people at a closed gold mine. Read more →
Pope at Angelus: Let us not retreat into our convictions but be open to Christ (Photo: Vatican News)Pope Leo XIV urged those gathered in St. Peter’s Square on August 23 to cultivate a daily, personal relationship with Christ rather than cling to familiar convictions, reflecting on Matthew’s Gospel where Jesus asks, “But who do you say that I am?” He warned against reducing faith to habit and invited listeners to ask themselves who Jesus is for them and what his Gospel asks today. The Pope noted that such questions arise in prayer, Gospel meditation, and encounters with suffering people, calling us to let Christ transform our lives and the world. Read more →
Sister in Ukraine: Bombs cannot break faith, will to live or desire for freedom (Photo: Vatican News)Sister Liji (Lidia) Payyapilly, from India but serving in Ukraine for nearly 25 years, shared her reflections with Vatican News on the spiritual resilience of Ukrainians amid ongoing war. Based in Pavshyno, Transcarpathia, near Mukachevo, she offers prayer and spiritual guidance at her congregation’s monastery, also traveling to frontline regions to lead retreats. Sister Liji, known for her devotion to eucharistic adoration and evangelization, emphasized that her ministry flows from personal faith in Christ’s living presence. She noted that wartime has altered the faces seeking solace at her monastery, where an appointment system now manages the steady stream of visitors seeking comfort and prayer. Read more →
Activities of the General Council
Fire and heat… Cold and Chill… Dew and rain… Bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above… (Photo: OMI World)In mid-August 2026, contrasting seasonal extremes, wildfires in the Northern Hemisphere, winter chills in the Southern Hemisphere, and drought or floods near the equator, prompted reflection on praising God amid hardship. In Rome, a visiting group of young people staying at the General House of the Oblates expressed unqualified joy, with one declaring, “Everything is excellent, no complaints!” Their gratitude echoed the Canticle of the Three Young Men from the Book of Daniel, which calls all creation to bless the Lord despite trial. Read more →
Regional Activities
Africa and Madagascar
The Holy Father has appointed Fr. Mariusz KASPERSKI, OMI, Auxiliary Bishop of the… (Photo: OMI World)Pope Francis appointed Fr. Mariusz Kasperski, OMI, as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Toamasina in Madagascar and Titular Bishop of Burca on 19 August 2026. Born in Poland in 1963, he has served as a missionary in Madagascar since 1995, most recently as Superior of the OMI community in Toamasina and pastor of Saint Eugène de Mazenod parish. Read more →
Asia and Oceania
OMI Indonesia: Journeying With the Native Javanese (Photo: OMI World)For years, the Oblates of Indonesia have supported the native Javanese religion in its struggle for civil recognition, even securing land for a future place of worship and helping gain legal recognition for their marriages. In August 2026, during a ceremony marking the end of the sacred Javanese month of Suro, an Oblate honored local customs by sitting on the floor with the Lady Regent and other officials, prompting them to join him in prayer and fellowship. The Oblates’ decades-long advocacy included lobbying in Jakarta and joining the Forum of Communication between Religions (FKUB). Their solidarity culminated in a humble yet powerful moment of shared respect and celebration. Read more →
Latin America
A New Oblate Mission: Ecuador! (Photo: OMI World)In response to the 37th General Chapter’s call, the Oblate Province of Brazil has launched a new mission in Ecuador, deepening the Oblates’ presence in Latin America. A recent visit to Ecuador included Fr. Antonio Pereira, OMI, Fr. Ednaldo, OMI, and Fr. Jassiel, OMI, who has been assigned to the mission. The visit aimed to better understand the local context and strengthen bonds with the Ecuadorian Church and people. May this new chapter, guided by the Holy Spirit and Mary Immaculate, bring hope, fraternity, and evangelization to the region. Read more →
Europe
A Week of Prayer and Remembrance in Rome (Photo: OMI World)The Oblate community in Rome marked the lead-up to the 200th anniversary of the approval of the Constitutions and Rules by Pope Leo XII with a week-long pilgrimage retracing St. Eugene de Mazenod’s steps in 1825–26. Beginning on February 15 at Santa Maria in Campitelli, where the Founder once waited anxiously for news, the community moved through liturgical celebrations, prayer, and reflection at key sites including San Silvestro, the IRS Scholasticate, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Special focus was given to Father Charles Albini on February 17, honoring his pivotal role in translating the original Rule, while February 19 included Mass at St. Peter’s and prayer at Pope Leo XII’s tomb. The week culminated in a deeper appreciation of the spiritual and historical roots of the Oblates’ missionary identity. Read more →
Points for Reflection
- Pope appeals for international aid for Ebola victims in DRC reminds us that in suffering, we are called to respond with solidarity, as Jesus taught when he said, “I was sick and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36).“I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me.’” (Matthew 25:36)
- Sister in Ukraine: Bombs cannot break faith, will to live or desire for freedom shows how faith becomes tangible in daily witness, echoing Paul’s words, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:7).“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
- invites us to accompany those on the margins, following Jesus’ example in Mark 2:17, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”“When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Mark 2:17)
Oblate Value of the Week
Church, from the Dictionary of Oblate Values.
